Object relation theory, formulated by Margaret Mahler in 1975, describes the child's separation and individuation process from the maternal figure, occurring between birth and age 3. The theory includes various phases, such as the autistic phase, symbiotic phase, and separation-individuation phase, which detail key developmental milestones and emotional dynamics between the child and mother. The theory emphasizes the importance of adequate maternal care in fostering the child's healthy growth and emotional development.

1. OBJECT RELATION
THEORY
PRESENTED BY –
Shubhrima Khan
1st year M.Sc. Nursing
Apollo Gleneagles Nursing College

2. CONCEPT OF THE THEORY
• In 1975 Margaret Mahler has formulated this theory.
• The theory describes the separation individuation process of the child
from the maternal figure.
• Based on observation of the interactions of children with their mother.
• The process begins in the 4th
or 5th
month of life and is completed by the
age of 3 years.

3. PHASES OF THE THEORY
PHASE 1 – AUTISTIC PHASE (birth – 1 month)
• Also known as normal autism.
• The infant exists in a half sleeping , half awaking
state.
• Focus: fulfillment of basic needs and comfort.

4. CONT..
PHASE 2 – SYMBIOTIC PHASE (1 – 5 months)
• The child views the self as an extension of the
mother.
• Absence of or rejection by maternal figure can
lead to symbiotic psychosis.
• Fixation in this phase predisposes the child to
adolescent or adulthood schizophrenia.

5. CONT..
PHASE 3 – SEPARATION-INDIVIDUATION (5 – 36 months)
• Represents ‘psychological birth’ of the child.
• The child evolves his progression from a symbiotic extension of
the mothering figure to a distinct and separate being.
• Consists of four subphases.

6. CONT..
Subphase 1: Differentiation (5 - 10 months)
• A primary recognition of separateness
commences.

7. CONT..
Subphase 2: Practicing (10 - 16 months)
• The child experiences feelings of
exhilaration from increased independence.
• A sense of omnipotence is manifested.

8. CONT..
Subphase 3: Rapprochement (16 - 24 months)
• Child becomes increasingly aware of his or her separateness from the
mothering figure.
• Sense of fearlessness and omnipotence diminishes.
• The child recognizing the mother as a Separate individual.
• The child needs the mothering figure to be available.
• The most critical thing is mothering response.
• If mother withholds nurturing feelings of rage and fear of abandonment
develop.

9. CONT..
Subphase 4: Consolidation (24 - 36 months)
• A definite individuality and sense of
separateness of self is established.
• Objects are represented as whole, with the
ability to integrate both "good" and "bad" .
• A degree of object constancy has been
established.

10. RELEVANCE OF THE THEORY TO
NURSING PRACTICE
• To assess the client's level of individuation.
• Trace the emotional problems and to provide nursing care.

11. CONCLUSION
According to the object relations theory, the way mothers and infants
interact plays a crucial role in infant’s growth and development. If
care is adequate or "good enough," children are able to develop their
true selves, which is the part of the baby that is creative and
spontaneous.